Rotel RC-1590 MKII black

Rotel RC-1590 MKII Stereo Preamplifier

The Rotel RC-1590 MKII is a stereo preamplifier that brings technical advancements compared to the previous version. It incorporates new coupling capacitors in the audio signal path, enhancing the frequency response of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

Additional improvements include the integration of new resistors and capacitors aimed at optimizing the DAC’s power supply, as well as the volume circuits and balanced XLR outputs. These adjustments are designed to enhance the overall sound quality of the preamplifier.

A Powerful Technological Core

At the heart of the RC-1590 MKII is a sophisticated power supply featuring two toroidal transformers manufactured in-house. These transformers are physically and electrically isolated, providing dedicated power voltages to the analog and digital circuits. This design eliminates unwanted distortions and achieves an extremely low noise floor. The processing of digital inputs is handled by a Texas Instruments audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter, capable of managing signals up to 32 bits/384 kHz. Custom-designed and acoustically tuned external output filter circuits allow for the reproduction of the finest details with exceptional clarity and precise positioning.

Advanced Features for an Optimal User Experience

The RC-1590 MKII not only offers exceptional sound quality but also provides advanced features to enhance the user experience. The preamplifier is Roon Tested certified, ensuring optimal compatibility with this high-end music management software. It also supports the MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) and MQA Studio formats, allowing you to fully enjoy high-resolution audio files. Bluetooth connectivity with support for aptX and AAC codecs offers a convenient solution for wireless music streaming from mobile devices.

High-Level Audio Performance

The RC-1590 MKII stands out for its remarkable audio performance. Its total harmonic distortion is less than 0.002% over the 20 Hz - 20 kHz range, ensuring highly pure sound reproduction. The frequency response is extremely linear, extending from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±0.1 dB) for line inputs, and from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.2 dB) for the phono input. The signal-to-noise ratio is also impressive, reaching 112 dB for line inputs and 108 dB for digital inputs.

Easy Integration into Home Automation Systems

The RC-1590 MKII is designed for easy integration into modern home automation systems. It features an Ethernet connection for software updates and integration with third-party control systems. Two 12V trigger outputs, an RS-232 port, and two Rotel Link connectors complete the connectivity options for perfect integration into a sophisticated audio-video environment.

Technical Specifications

Certifications and Compatibilities

• Roon Tested Certified
• Class AB
• Compatible with MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), MQA Studio
• High-performance Wolfson 32-bit / 384 kHz digital-to-analog converter
• Moving Magnet (MM) phono input for turntable
• Adaptive transmission Bluetooth (aptX) and advanced audio codec (AAC) wireless

Audio Performance

• Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz): < 0.002%
• Frequency Response:
  • Line Inputs: 10 Hz - 100 kHz (+0 dB, +0.1 dB)
  • Digital Inputs: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (0 ± 0.5 dB max)
  • Phono Input: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.3 dB, -0.2 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted):
  • Line Inputs (RCA): 117 dB
  • Line Inputs (XLR): 115 dB
  • Digital Inputs: 108 dB
  • Phono Input: 80 dB
• Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz, 4:1): < 0.002%

Inputs and Outputs

Input Sensitivity

• Line Inputs (RCA): 150 mV
• Line Inputs (XLR): 250 mV
• Digital Inputs: 0 dBFS
• Phono Input (MM): 2.5 mV

Input Impedance

• Line Inputs (RCA): 100 kΩ
• Line Inputs (XLR): 100 kΩ
• Digital Inputs: 75 Ω
• Phono Input (MM): 47 kΩ

Input Overload Threshold

• Line Inputs (RCA): 4 V
• Line Inputs (XLR): 5.5 V
• Phono Input: 64 mV

Output Level

• Unbalanced (RCA): 1 V
• Balanced (XLR): 2 V

Channel Separation

• Line Inputs (RCA): > 85 dB
• Line Inputs (XLR): > 75 dB
• Phono Input: > 85 dB

Connectivity

• 4 unbalanced analog RCA inputs
• 1 balanced analog XLR input
• 1 moving magnet phono input for turntable
• 3 coaxial digital inputs, 3 optical (24-bit / 192 kHz)
• 1 USB-B input for computer (32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD, MQA)
• 1 front USB-A input for iPhone/iPod
• 1 built-in Bluetooth aptX input
• 2 stereo RCA preamp outputs
• 2 balanced stereo XLR outputs
• 2 mono RCA outputs for subwoofer
• 1 Ethernet port for software updates

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 144 × 348 mm
• Front panel height: 3U / 132.6 mm
• Net weight: 10.1 kg

Power Supply

• Thermal power: 78 BTU/h
• Power supply: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Power consumption: 45 W
• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W